How To Be A Delightful Wedding Guest: 13 Do’s and Don’ts

Wedding season is here and I for one have an extra special big day to attend this weekend. I'm doing a reading (and hope I don't trip or trip over my words!), and want to make the bride and groom proud!

Chances are you also have a wedding coming up, so you may be wondering how to be the best guest you can be. Wonder no more, because we've got you covered!

DORSVP. Duh! This is a no brainer right? Well any bride who's recently married or about to tie the knot knows that hunting down RSVPs last minute is part of the game. So don't be that guest and as soon as you know if you're able to attend, pop the RSVP card in the mail!

DON'T forget the gift! But do forget the myth that you have an entire year after the wedding to send it. If you're buying off the registry, browse and buy early (so you don't end up gifting a hodge podge of hand towels, napkin rings, etc.) and ship it to the couple. If you're giving the cash or a check, bring it to the reception!

DO be on time, bonus points if you arrive early! Review the time and location of the ceremony ahead of time, and map it out so you know the exact time you need to be walking out the door. Build in a 15-20 minute buffer in case you run into traffic or parking issues.

DON'T make snarky comments about anything or anyone at the wedding. Remember, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. You might be dying to dish about some guest's beyond inappropriate outfit or the tacky lack of open bar, but keep your lips sealed until you're back at home.

DOsocialize and mingle with other guests. Weddings are a great place to expand your network and make new friends. So take advantage of the opportunity and get to know other guests!

DON'T have your cell phone attached to your hand, ear, etc. Your focus should be on the couple and the wedding happenings, NOT on your Twitter feed, email inbox, text convos, etc. So be gracious to your hosts and limit your cell phone use!

DO offer to help in any way you can. Whether you ask the bride a week before the wedding, or see a parent struggling while carrying loads of stuff into the venue, offer a helping hand and it won't go unnoticed.

DON'T drink the open bar dry. If there's an open bar, it's there to enjoy and the couple will want guests getting their money's worth. But don't over-indulge... as a blacked out wedding guest is far from delightful!

DO remember to thank the bride, groom, and their parents. Planning a wedding is time-consuming and expensive, so don't make your exit before expressing your gratitude for the invite and saying proper thanks.

DON'T cause drama or stir a pot that's already boiling over. Save the dramz for another time, and fight the urge to bring up sensitive topics. If there's a guest you don't get along with, avoid him or her and just be cordial if and when your paths do cross.

DO actively participate in the reception activities. Don't be a stick in the mud and take part in the reception fun! Hit up the photo booth, tear up the dance floor, and show the couple you're having a blast!

DON'T be the first to leave. If great aunt Edna is still going strong when you're saying your goodbyes, the bride and groom will think that you didn't enjoy your time. So don't start planning your exit until the older crowd starts rolling out.

DO text the bride / groom the next day to say what a wonderful wedding it was. Give your newlywed friends the ultimate pat on the back, and tell them their wedding was epic and one to remember. But don't expect an immediate text back, as the newlyweds will be inundated and may be jetting off to their honeymoon.

So brideys... what do you think? Did we miss any do's or don'ts crucial to being a good guest? Sound off below or send us a #WW tweet!